Way before the movie Field of Dreams starring Kevin Costner came out, Bracken County had one of their own diamonds one would dream about.

Persinger Park in Milford helped shape the childhood of many in Bracken County. Whether it was church league softball, travel league baseball or even the home of the Bracken County Polar Bears baseball team for a while.

In the middle of a farm owned by Eddie Persinger’s father Russ, a baseball field surrounded by soy, tobacco and corn fields in the outfield formed.

“Back in the 70’s church league softball was big, we played in Brooksville, but every homerun hit and foul ball hit would end up getting lost down the hill. So a bunch of us got together, played down at my dad’s farm and wanted to play down here. We bought lights, a hard chained link fence and that’s how it got started,” Persinger said, who manned and took care of the baseball field for 31 years from 1979-2010, buying five acres from his father on the 120-acre farm.

Persinger served as the little league baseball director in that timespan, also hosting church softball leagues, open softball tournaments and the home of the Bracken County baseball team for 17 years.

Some of the Polar Bear baseball teams that played there were some of the best in school history, especially in the final years the high school played there in the early to mid 90’s. On top of that, some of the church league softball teams were very competitive across the state.

“We were always in the top 25 in the state but never could beat Harrison (County),” former Bracken County baseball player Wade Smith said. “I remember our head coach driving the bus to the park and hitting the bridge about every time with the bus. Many memories there, it truly was a field of dreams.”

Many Bracken Countians echo that same sentiment, growing up and playing there during their childhood.

Persinger mowed the fields and still keeps it up, although organized play ceased in 2010.

“People have inquired to buy it, but there’s so many memories that I don’t want to sell it just yet. I’m getting old, so maybe one day that day will come. The Mennonites play there a lot now, they help me with the upkeep so I don’t mind them using it.”

In 1981, Persinger built another field adjacent to the original one. Field dimensions were 280 feet down the lines on one field, 300 on the other.

“Which was a pretty good distance back then,” Persinger said.

His wife Cheryl would sell concessions at the concession stand, but for the most part, they didn’t make money off the field and weren’t there for that.

“I just wanted kids to play ball,” Persinger said. “I made sure the kids had respect for each other and respect for the umpires. There wouldn’t be any cussing, drinking or fighting. I just wanted to run a decent place to play and let the kids play ball.”

His sons Rodney and Chad grew up playing there, also as Polar Bears, Rodney graduating in ‘85, Chad in ‘91 and both going on to play in college at Kentucky Christian University.

Maybe someday the Field of Dreams in Milford will come back to life, bringing organized ball back.

Just like the movie said, “If you build it, they will come,” but for now, the Field of Dreams at Persinger Park serves as a memory for many Bracken Countians they can cherish in their life.

A view from home plate of Persinger Park in Milford.
https://maysville-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/web1_Persinger-Park-2.jpgA view from home plate of Persinger Park in Milford.

A look at Persinger Park in Milford where organized baseball and softball games took place starting in 1977 up until 2010. The park has the “Field of Dreams” look to it as soy, tobacco and corn fields backed up to it in the outfield.
https://maysville-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/web1_Persinger-Park-1.jpgA look at Persinger Park in Milford where organized baseball and softball games took place starting in 1977 up until 2010. The park has the “Field of Dreams” look to it as soy, tobacco and corn fields backed up to it in the outfield.
Persinger Park in Milford brings back memories to many

EVAN DENNISON

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